Born into a cricketing family - his father was the Maharaja of Patiala, a great patron of the game who donated the Ranji Trophy - he made his name as a player rather than a philanthropist. A tall, elegant batsman, he played his only Test against England at Madras in 1933-34 and scored 24 and 60. He had been invited to tour England in 1932 but declined because of the pressure of state business. He led India in an unofficial Test against Jack Ryder's Australian team in 1935-36 and was one of the candidates to lead India on their tour of England in 1936. He was India's ambassador to Holland from 1971 until his death.
Martin Williamson